Three 6 Mafia - Most Known Unknown

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Three 6 brings the same old formula.

By Jim Durig

Before southern crunk became the mainstream vogue, the Memphis-bred collective of Three 6 Mafia saw its raw, bass-heavy fury translated into club hits. Though typically much darker and angrier than most of today's prolific crunk scene, Three 6 influenced mainstream rap while "Lil' Jon" was still mostly recognized as Robin Hood's partner. Now, a decade past their proper debut, D.J. Paul, Juicy J, and Crunchy Black are still relevant to the rap landscape.

The lead single "Stay Fly" is sure to turn some heads, if not for the catchy combination of heavy drum thuds and a lighter, relaxed loop, then surely for the pairing of the Triple 6 clique with G-Unit's Young Buck and longtime adversaries Eightball & MJG.

The ominous "Half on a Sack" highlights Three 6's well-known ability to take something non-threatening - in this case partying and sex - and make it sound completely terrifying with a menacing rhythm. The majority of the album works the same way, perpetuating the long-established traits that have gleaned them success: gritty lyrics, stereo-abusing bass, and posse-style delivery. But many of the cuts - like the repetitive "Roll With It" featuring Project Pat and "Body Parts 3" featuring an army of guest emcees - lack the dynamic feel that kept the sound fresh.